Potassium selenocyanate

Synthesis and reactions

Potassium selenocyanate is produced by the reaction of molten potassium cyanide with elemental selenium.

Organic selenocyanates are often prepared by treatment of potassium selenocyanate with alkyl halides or aryl diazonium salts.

Potassium selenocyanate serves as a source of Se⁰, e.g., in its reaction with triphenylphosphine to give triphenylphosphine selenide.